Gary McGrane will get an opportunity to try and join his father Noel on the list of West of Ireland winners after coming through yesterday’s pre-tournament qualifier at Rosses Point.

Twenty eight years after his father’s triumph on this course, The Royal Dublin member shot a one-over-par round of 72 yesterday, to top the qualifiers alongside Portmarnock’s David Kelleher.

Nine golfers out of the 95 that took to the famous links course yesterday booked their place in tomorrow’s first round in testing conditions.

Six players shot 77 and sat anxiously awaiting the final two three-balls to come in, anticipating a play-off for the final spots.

But instead Lee Valley’s Greg O’Mahony posted a 75 in the penultimate group, and Warrenpoint’s Jamie Fletcher followed him with a five-over 76 to complete the top nine.

Daniel Brennan of Shannon was third best overall with a 73 in the cold and blustery wind, while Westport’s Harry Gillivan and Cavan’s Shane McDermott were just a shot worse off.

None of the six home club members made the cut, leaving Enniscrone’s Ryan O’Doherty as the only Sligo man to make it through.

Scoring was particularly difficult early on, and from the first eight groups, only three golfers broke 80.

But Kelleher’s 72 meant he was well clear of the field and assured of his return long before Gillivan, McDermott and Brennan came home to narrow the gap in the afternoon.